Zeolite catalysts modified with group IIIA metal

ABSTRACT

A zeolite catalyst composition suitable for para-selective conversion of substituted aromatic compounds, e.g., conversion of aromatic compounds to dialkylbenzene compounds rich in the 1,4-dialkylbenzene isomer. Such a composition comprises a zeolite catalyst component having a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 12 and a constraint index of about 1 to 12, and a minor amount, e.g., at least 0.5 weight percent of a Group IIIA element, e.g., scandium, yttrium or Rare Earth elements, and optionally phosphorus, said elements being present in the form of their oxides.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division, of application Ser. No. 303,287 filed Sept. 17, 1981 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,294 which is a continuation-in-part of the copending application of Chin-Chiun Chu having Ser. No. 212,067, filed Dec. 2, 1980 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,622.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed herein relates to novel zeolite catalyst compositions useful for conversion of organic compounds such as the shape selective production of dialkylbenzene compounds to yield a product mixture in which the 1,4-dialkylbenzene isomer content is substantially in excess of its normal equilibrium concentration.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The disproportionation of aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of zeolite catalysts has been described by Grandio et al. in the OIL AND GAS JOURNAL, Vol. 69, Number 48 (1971).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,126,422; 3,413,374; 3,598,878; 3,598,879 and 3,607,961 show vapor-phase disproportionation of toluene over various catalysts.

In these prior art processes, the dimethylbenzene product produced has the equilibrium composition of approximately 24 percent of 1,4-, 54 percent of 1,3- and 22 percent of 1,2-isomer. Of the dimethylbenzene isomers, 1,3-dimethylbenzene is normally the least desired product, with 1,2- and 1,4-dimethylbenzene being the more useful products. 1,4-dimethylbenzene is of particular value, being useful in the manufacture of terephthalic acid which is an intermediate in the manufacture of synthetic fibers such as "Dacron". Mixtures of dimethylbenzene isomers, either alone or in further admixture with ethylbenzene, have previously been separated by expensive superfractionation and multistage refrigeration steps. Such process, as will be realized, involves high operation costs and has a limited yield.

Various modified zeolite catalysts have been developed to alkylate or disproportionate toluene with a greater or lesser degree of selectivity to 1,4-dimethylbenzene isomer. Hence, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,972,832, 4,034,053, 4,128,592 and 4,137,195 disclose particular zeolite catalysts which have been treated with compounds of phosphorus and/or magnesium. Boron-containing zeolites are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,920 and antimony-containing zeolites in U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,472. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,965,208 and 4,117,026 disclose other modified zeolites useful for shape selective reactions.

While the above-noted prior art is considered of interest in connection with the subject matter of the present invention, the conversion process described herein, utilizing a crystalline zeolite catalyst of specified characteristics which has undergone the particular treatment disclosed, has not, insofar as is known, been previously described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there has now been discovered a novel metal-modified zeolite catalyst composition useful for conversion of organic compounds (e.g. hydrocarbon compounds). An especially advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises the selective production of the 1,4-isomer of dialkylated benzene compounds via a process utilizing such a catalyst. Such a process involves contacting an alkylated aromatic compound, either alone or in admixture with a suitable alkylating agent such as methanol or ethylene, with the particular type of modified crystalline zeolite catalyst composition of the present invention under suitable conversion conditions to effect disproportionation or transalkylation of alkylbenzene compounds or alkylation of aromatic compounds and to selectively produce the 1,4-dialkylbenzene isomer in excess of its normal equilibrium concentration.

The metal-modified catalyst compositions of the present invention comprise zeolite materials having a silica to alumina ratio of at least about 12 and a constraint index within the approximate range of 1 to 12. The zeolite-based catalyst compositions can be modified by initial treatment with a compound derived from one or more of the elements of Group IIIA of the Periodic Table of Elements, including scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y) and the Rare Earth (RE, elements, said Rare Earth elements consisting of the cerium subgroup (elements 57-62) and the ytterbium subgroup (elements 63-71), to yield a composite containing a minor proportion of such element, generally in the form of its oxide. In addition to treatment of the catalyst with compounds containing elements of Group IIIA, the zeolite-based catalyst may also be treated with a phosphorus-containing compound to deposit a minor proportion of an oxide of phosphorus thereon in addition to the oxide of the Group IIIA metal.

An embodiment of the disclosed invention is a process for the alkylation of aromatic compounds, in the presence of certain of the herein described modified zeolite catalysts, with selective production of the 1,4-dialkylbenzene isomer in preference to the 1,2- and 1,3-isomers thereof. Especially preferred embodiments involve the selective production of 1,4-dimethylbenzene from toluene and methanol and 1-ethyl-4-methylbenzene from toluene and ethylene.

Another embodiment contemplates the selective disproportionation or transalkylation of alkylbenzene and polyalkylbenzene compounds in the presence of the certain of the disclosed catalysts thereby yielding 1,4-disubstituted benzenes in excess of their normal equilibrium concentration. For example, under appropriate conditions of temperature and pressure, toluene will disproportionate in the presence of these catalysts to produce benzene and a dimethylbenzene mixture enriched in the desirable 1,4-isomer.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The crystalline zeolites utilized in the catalyst compositions herein are members of a particular class of zeolitic materials which exhibits unusual properties. Although these zeolites have unusually low alumina contents, i.e. high silica to alumina mole ratios, they are very active even when the silica to alumina mole ratio exceeds 30. The activity is surprising since catalytic activity is generally attributed to framework aluminum atoms and/or cations associated with these aluminum atoms. These zeolites retain their crystallinity for long periods in spite of the presence of steam at high temperature which induces irreversible collapse of the framework of other zeolites, e.g. of the X and A type. Furthermore, carbonaceous deposits, when formed, may be removed by burning at higher than usual temperatures to restore activity. These zeolites, used as catalysts, generally have low coke-forming activity and therefore are conducive to long times on stream between regenerations by burning carbonaceous deposits with oxygen-containing gas such as air.

An important characteristic of the crystal structure of this particular class of zeolites is that it provides a selective constrained access to and egress from the intracrystalline free space by virtue of having an effective pore size intermediate between the small pore Linde A and the large pore Linde X, i.e. the pore windows of the structure are of about a size such as would be provided by 10-membered rings of silicon atoms interconnected by oxygen atoms. It is to be understood, of course, that these rings are those formed by the regular disposition of the tetrahedra making up the anionic framework of the crystalline zeolite, the oxygen atoms themselves being bonded to the silicon (or aluminum, etc.) atoms at the centers of the tetrahedra.

The silica to alumina mole ratio referred to may be determined by conventional analysis. This ratio is meant to represent, as closely as possible, the ratio in the rigid anionic framework of the zeolite crystal and to exclude aluminum in the binder or in cationic or other form within the channels. Although zeolites with silica to alumina mole ratios of at least 12 are useful, it is preferred in some instances to use zeolites having substantially higher silica/alumina ratios, e.g. 1600 and above. In addition, zeolites as otherwise characterized herein but which are substantially free of aluminum, that is zeolites having silica to alumina mole ratios of up to infinity, are found to be useful and even preferable in some instances. Such "high silica" or "highly siliceous" zeolites are intended to be included within this description. Also included within this definition are substantially pure silica analogs of the useful zeolites described herein, that is to say those zeolites having no measurable amount of alumina (silica to alumina mole ratio of infinity) but which otherwise embody the chracteristics disclosed.

Such zeolites, after activation, acquire an intracrystalline sorption capacity for normal hexane which is greater than that for water, i.e. they exhibit "hydrophobic" properties. This hydrophobic character can be used to advantage in some applications.

Zeolites of the particular class useful herein have an effective pore size such as to freely sorb normal hexane. In addition, the structure must provide constrained access to larger molecules. It is sometimes possible to judge from a known crystal structure whether such constrained access exists. For example, if the only pore windows in a crystal are formed by 8-membered rings of silicon and aluminum atoms, then access by molecules of larger cross-section than normal hexane is excluded and the zeolite is not of the desired type. Windows of 10-membered rings are preferred, although in some instances excessive puckering of the rings or pore blockage may render these zeolites ineffective.

Although 12-membered rings in theory would not offer sufficient constraint to produce advantageous conversions, it is noted that the puckered 12-ring structure of TMA offretite does show some constrained access. Other 12-ring structures may exist which may be operative for other reasons and, therefore, it is not the present intention to entirely judge the usefulness of a particular zeolite solely from theoretical structural considerations.

Rather than attempt to judge from crystal structure whether or not a zeolite possesses the necessary constrained access to molecules of larger cross-section than normal paraffins, a simple determination of the "Constraint Index" as herein defined may be made by passing continuously a mixture of an equal weight of normal hexane and 3-methylpentane over a sample of zeolite at atmospheric pressure according to the following procedure. A sample of the zeolite, in the form of pellets or extrudate, is crused to a particle size about that of coarse sand and mounted in a glass tube. Prior to testing, the zeolite is treated with a stream of air at 540° C. for at least 15 minutes. The zeolite is then flushed with helium and the temperature is adjusted between 290° C. and 510° C. to give an overall conversion of between 10% and 60%. The mixture of hydrocarbons is passed at 1 liquid hourly space velocity (i.e., 1 volume of liquid hydrocarbon per volume of zeolite per hour) over the zeolite with a helium dilution to give a helium to (total) hydrocarbon mole ratio of 4:1. After 20 minutes on stream, a sample of the effluent is taken and analyzed, most conveniently by gas chromatography, to determine the fraction remaining unchanged for each of the two hydrocarbons.

While the above experimental procedure will enable one to achieve the desired overall conversion of 10 to 60% for most zeolite samples and represents preferred conditions, it may occasionally be necessary to use somewhat more severe conditions for samples of very low activity, such as those having an exceptionally high silica to alumina mole ratio. In those instances, a temperature of up to about 540° C. and a liquid hourly space velocity of less than one, such as 0.1 or less, can be employed in order to achieve a minimum total conversion of about 10%.

The "Constraint Index" is calculated as follows: ##EQU1##

The Constraint Index approximates the ratio of the cracking rate constants for the two hydrocarbons. Zeolites suitable for the present invention are those having a Constraint Index of 1 to 12. Constraint Index (CI) values for some typical materials are:

    ______________________________________                                                           C.I.                                                         ______________________________________                                         ZSM-4               0.5                                                        ZSM-5               8.3                                                        ZSM-11              8.7                                                        ZSM-12              2                                                          ZSM-23              9.1                                                        ZSM-35              4.5                                                        ZSM-38              2                                                          ZSM-48              3.4                                                        TMA Offretite       3.7                                                        Clinoptilolite      3.4                                                        Beta                0.6                                                        H--Zeolon (mordenite)                                                                              0.4                                                        REY                 0.4                                                        Amorphous Silica-Alumina                                                                           0.6                                                        Erionite            38                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The above-described Constraint Index is an important and even critical definition of those zeolites which are useful in the instant invention. The very nature of this parameter and the recited technique by which it is determined, however, admit of the possibility that a given zeolite can be tested under somewhat different conditions and thereby exhibit different Constraint Indices. Constraint Index seems to vary somewhat with severity of operation (conversion) and the presence or absence of binders. Likewise, other variables such as crystal size of the zeolite, the presence of occluded contaminants, etc., may affect the constraint index. Therefore, it will be appreciated that it may be possible to so select test conditions as to establish more than one value in the range of 1 to 12 for the Constraint Index of a particular zeolite. Such a zeolite exhibits the constrained access as herein defined and is to be regarded as having a Constraint Index in the range of 1 to 12. Also contemplated herein as having a Constraint Index in the range of 1 to 12 and therefore within the scope of the defined novel class of highly siliceous zeolites are those zeolites which, when tested under two or more sets of conditions within the above-specified ranges of temperature and conversion, produce a value of the Constraint Index slightly less than 1, e.g. 0.9, or somewhat greater than 12, e.g. 14 or 15, with at least one other value within the range of 1 to 12. Thus, it should be understood that the Constraint Index value as used herein is an inclusive rather than an exclusive value. That is, a crystalline zeolite when identified by any combination of conditions within the testing definition set forth herein as having a Constraint Index in the range of 1 to 12 is intended to be included in the instant novel zeolite definition whether or not the same identical zeolite, when tested under other of the defined conditions, may give a Constraint Index value outside of the range of 1 to 12.

The novel class of zeolites defined herein is exemplified by ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-38, ZSM-48, and other similar materials.

ZSM-5 is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,702,886 and Re 29,948. The entire descriptions contained within those patents, particularly the X-ray diffraction pattern of therein disclosed ZSM-5, are incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-11 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,979. That description, and in particular the X-ray diffraction pattern of said ZSM-11, is incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-12 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,449. That description, and in particular the X-ray diffraction pattern disclosed therein, is incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-23 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,842. The entire content thereof, particularly the specification of the X-ray diffraction pattern of the disclosed zeolite, is incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-35 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,245. The description of that zeolite, and particularly the X-ray diffraction pattern thereof, is incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-38 is more particularly described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,859. The description of that zeolite, and particularly the specified X-ray diffraction pattern thereof, is incorporated herein by reference.

ZSM-48 can be identified, in terms of moles of anhydrous oxides per 100 moles of silica, as follows:

    (0-15)RN:(0-1.5)M.sub.2/n O:(0.2)Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :(100)SiO.sub.2

wherein:

M is at least one cation having a valence n; and

RN is a C₁ -C₂₀ organic compound having at least one amine functional group of pK_(a) 7.

It is recognized that, particularly when the composition contains tetrahedral framework aluminum, a fraction of the amine functional groups may be protonated. The doubly protonated form, in conventional notation, would be (RNH)₂ O and is equivalent in stoichiometry to 2RN+H₂ O.

The characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern of the synthetic zeolite ZSM-48 has the following significant lines:

    ______________________________________                                         Characteristic Lines of ZSM-48                                                 d (Angstroms)  Relative Intensity                                              ______________________________________                                         11.9           W-S                                                             10.2           W                                                               7.2            W                                                               5.9            W                                                               4.2            VS                                                              3.9            VS                                                              3.6            W                                                               2.85           W                                                               ______________________________________                                    

These values were determined by standard techniques. The radiation was the K-alpha doublet of copper, and a scintillation counter spectrometer with a strip chart pen recorder was used. The peak heights, I, and the positions as a function of 2 times theta, where theta is the Bragg angle, were read from the spectrometer chart. From these, the relative intensities, 100 I/I_(o), where I_(o) is the intensity of the strongest line or peak, and d (obs.), the interplanar spacing in angstroms, corresponding to the recorded lines, were calculated. In the foregoing table the relative intensities are given in terms of the symbols W=weak, VS=very strong and W-S=weak-to-strong. Ion exchange of the sodium ion with cations reveals substantially the same pattern with some minor shifts in interplanar spacing and variation in relative intensity. Other minor variations can occur depending on the silicon to aluminum ratio of the particular sample, as well as if it has been subjected to thermal treatment.

The ZSM-48 can be prepared from a reaction mixture containing a source of silica, water, RN, an alkali metal oxide (e.g. sodium) and optionally alumina. The reaction mixture should have a composition, in terms of mole ratios of oxides, falling within the following ranges:

    ______________________________________                                         REACTANTS      BROAD       PREFERRED                                           ______________________________________                                         Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /SiO.sub.2 =                                                                 0 to 0.02   0 to 0.01                                           Na/SiO.sub.2 = 0 to 2      0.1 to 1.0                                          RN/SiO.sub.2 = 0.01 to 2.0 0.05 to 1.0                                         OH.sup.- /SiO.sub.2 =                                                                         0 to 0.25   0 to 0.1                                            H.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2 =                                                                         10 to 100   20 to 70                                            H.sup.+ (added) SiO.sub.2 =                                                                   0 to 0.2    0 to 0.05                                           ______________________________________                                    

wherein RN is a C₁ -C₂₀ organic compound having an amine functional group of pK_(a) ≧7. The mixture is maintained at 80°-250° C. until crystals of the material are formed. H⁺ (added) is moles acid added in excess of the moles of hydroxide added. In calculating H⁺ (added) and OH values, the term acid (H⁺) incudes both hydronium ion, whether free or coordinated, and aluminum. Thus aluminum sulfate, for example, would be considered a mixture of aluminum oxide, sulfuric acid, and water. An amine hydrochloride would be a mixture of amine and HCl. In preparing the highly siliceous form of ZSM-48 no alumina is added. Thus, the only aluminum present occurs as an impurity in the reactants.

Preferably, crystallization is carried out under pressure in an autoclave or static bomb reactor, at 80° C. to 250° C. Thereafter, the crystals are separated from the liquid and recovered. The reaction mixture can be prepared utilizing materials which supply the appropriate oxide. Such compositions include sodium silicate, silica hydrosol, silica gel, silicic acid, RN, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminate, aluminum oxide, or aluminum itself. RN is a C₁ -C₂₀ organic compound containing at least one amine functional group of pK_(a) ≧7, as defined above, and includes such compounds as C₃ -C₁₈ primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, cyclic amine (such as piperdine, pyrrolidine and piperazine), and polyamines such as NH₂ -C_(n) H_(2n) -NH₂ wherein n is 4-12.

The original cations can be subsequently replaced, at least in part, by calcination and/or ion exchange with another cation. Thus, the original cations are exchanged into a hydrogen or hydrogen ion precursor form or a form in which the original cation has been replaced by a metal of Groups II through VIII of the Periodic Table. Thus, for example, it is contemplated to exchange the original cations with ammonium ions or with hydronium ions. Catalytically active forms of these would include, in particular, hydrogen, rare earth metals, aluminum, manganese and other metals of Groups II and VIII of the Periodic Table.

It is to be understood that by incorporating by reference the foregoing patents to describe examples of specific members of the novel class with greater particularity, it is intended that identification of the therein disclosed crystalline zeolites be resolved on the basis of their respective X-ray diffraction patterns. As discussed above, the present invention contemplates utilization of such catalysts wherein the mole ratio of silica to alumina is essentially unbounded. The incorporation of the identified patents should therefore not be construed as limiting the disclosed crystalline zeolites to those having the specific silica-alumina mole ratios discussed therein, it now being known that such zeolites may be substantially aluminum-free and yet, having the same crystal structure as the disclosed materials, may be useful or even preferred in some applications. It is the crystal structure, as identified by the X-ray diffraction "fingerprint", which establishes the identity of the specific crystalline zeolite material.

The specific zeolites described, when prepared in the presence of organic cations, are substantially catalytically inactive, possibly because the intra-crystalline free space is occupied by organic cations from the forming solution. They may be activated by heating in an inert atmosphere at 540° C. for one hour, for example, followed by base exchange with ammonium salts followed by calcination at 540° C. in air. The presence of organic cations in the forming solution may not be absolutely essential to the formation of this type zeolite; however, the presence of these cations does appear to favor the formation of this special class of zeolite. More generally, it is desirable to activate this type catalyst by base exchange with ammonium salts followed by calcination in air at about 540° C. for from about 15 minutes to about 24 hours.

Natural zeolites may sometimes be converted to zeolite structures of the class herein identified by various activation procedures and other treatments such as base exchange, steaming, alumina extraction and calcination, alone or in combinations. Natural minerals which may be so treated include ferrierite, brewsterite, stilbite, dachiardite, epistilbite, heulandite, and clinoptilolite.

The preferred crystalline zeolites for utilization herein include ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-38 and ZSM-48, with ZSM-5 being particularly preferred.

In a preferred aspect of this invention, the zeolites hereof are selected as those providing among other things a crystal framework density, in the dry hydrogen form, of not less than about 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter. It has been found that zeolites which satisfy all three of the discussed criteria are most desired for several reasons. When hydrocarbon products or by-products are catalytically formed, for example, such zeolites tend to maximize the production of gasoline boiling range hydrocarbon products. Therefore, the preferred zeolites useful with respect to this invention are those having a Constraint Index as defined above of about 1 to about 12, a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least about 12 and a dried crystal density of not less than about 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter. The dry density for known structures may be calculated from the number of silicon plus aluminum atoms per 1000 cubic Angstroms, as given, e.g., on Page 19 of the article ZEOLITE STRUCTURE by W. M. Meier. This paper, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, is included in PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE ON MOLECULAR SIEVES, (London, April 1967) published by the Society of Chemical Industry, London, 1968.

When the crystal structure is unknown, the crystal framework density may be determined by classical pycnometer techniques. For example, it may be determined by immersing the dry hydrogen form of the zeolite in an organic solvent which is not sorbed by the crystal. Or, the crystal density may be determined by mercury porosimetry, since mercury will fill the interstices between crystals but will not penetrate the intracrystalline free space.

It is possible that the unusual sustained activity and stability of this special class of zeolites is associated with its high crystal anionic framework density of not less than about 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter. This high density must necessarily be associated with a relatively small amount of free space within the crystal, which might be expected to result in more stable structures. This free space, however, is important as the locus of catalytic activity.

Crystal framework densities of some typical zeolites, including some which are not within the purview of this invention, are:

    ______________________________________                                                    Void          Framework                                                        Volume        Density                                               ______________________________________                                         Ferrierite   0.28 cc/cc      1.76 g/cc                                         Mordenite    .28             1.7                                               ZSM-5, -11   .29             1.79                                              ZSM-12       --              1.8                                               ZSM-23       --              2.0                                               Dachiardite  .32             1.72                                              L            .32             1.61                                              Clinoptilolite                                                                              .34             1.71                                              Laumontite   .34             1.77                                              ZSM-4 (Omega)                                                                               .38             1.65                                              Heulandite   .39             1.69                                              P            .41             1.57                                              Offretite    .40             1.55                                              Levynite     .40             1.54                                              Erionite     .35             1.51                                              Gmelinite    .44             1.46                                              Chabazite    .47             1.45                                              A            .5              1.3                                               Y            .48             1.27                                              ______________________________________                                    

When synthesized in the alkali metal form, the zeolite is conveniently converted to the hydrogen form, generally by intermediate formation of the ammonium form as a result of ammonium ion exchange and calcination of the ammonium form to yield the hydrogen form. In addition to the hydrogen form, other forms of the zeolite wherein the original alkali metal has been reduced to less than about 1.5 percent by weight may be used or precursors to the Group IIIA metal-modified zeolites of the present invention. Thus, the original alkali metal of the zeolite may be replaced by ion exchange with other suitable metal cations of Groups I through VIII of the Periodic Table, including, by way of example, nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, calcium or rare earth metals. As discussed more fully hereinafter, incorporation of metal by ion exchange can contribute to the modification of the zeolites herein with the Group IIIA metals.

In practicing a given desired hydrocarbon conversion process, it may be useful to incorporate the above-described crystalline zeolites with a matrix comprising another material resistant to the temperature and other conditions employed in the process in order to thereby form the complete catalyst composition. Such matrix material is useful as a binder and imparts greater resistance to the catalyst compositions for the severe temperature, pressure and reactant feed stream velocity conditions encountered, for example, in many cracking processes.

Useful matrix materials include both synthetic and naturally occurring substances, as well as inorganic materials such as clay, silica and/or metal oxides. The latter may be either naturally occurring or in the form of gelatinous precipitates or gels including mixtures of silica and metal oxides. Naturally occurring clays which can be composited with the zeolite include those of the montmorillonite and kaolin families, which families include the sub-bentonites and the kaolins commonly known as Dixie, McNamee-Georgia and Florida clays or others in which the main mineral constituent is halloysite, kaolinite, dickite, nacrite or anauxite. Such clays can be used in the raw state as originally mined or initially subjected to calcination, acid treatment or chemical modification.

In addition to the foregoing materials, the zeolites employed herein may be composited with a porous matrix material, such as alumina, silica-alumina, silica-magnesia, silica-zirconia, silica-thoria, silica-beryllia, and silica-titania, as well as ternary compositions, such as silica-alumina-thoria, silica-alumina-zirconia, silica-alumina-magnesia and silica-magnesia-zirconia. The matrix may be in the form of a cogel. The relative proportions of zeolite component and inorganic oxide gel matrix, on an anhydrous basis, may vary widely with the zeolite content ranging from between about 1 to about 99 percent by weight and more usually in the range of about 5 to about 80 percent by weight of the dry composite.

The zeolite catalyst compositions described hereinbefore are, in accordance with the present invention, modified by incorporating thereon a minor amount of one or more of the elements of Group IIIA of the Periodic Chart of the Elements. The Periodic Chart referred to herein is that version published by Fisher Scientfic Company (Cat. No. 5-702-10). The elements of Group IIIA referred to herein consist of scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y) and the Rare Earth (RE) elements. The Rare Earth elements are composed of the cerium subgroup, which is made up of the elements lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm) and samarium (Sm), and the ytterbium subgroup, which is made up of the elements europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb) and lutetium (Lu).

Although some of the discussion herein is directed to utilization of essentially one member of the foregoing list of elements at a time, it is expected that those in the art who practice the invention may find it expeditious to employ compounds or reagents which contain mixtures of Group IIIA elements, particularly when incorporating the so-called Rare Earth elements into the zeolite compositions since the Rare Earths are readily available as mixtures and substantially pure compounds of individual elements tend to be relatively expensive.

The Group IIIA metal component, as well as other optional components described hereinafter, are generally incorporated into the catalyst composition by contacting the zeolite-containing composition with a solution comprising one or more compounds of the elements to be incorporated. Incorporation can occur by the mechanisms of ion exchange, adsorption and/or impregnation, the latter two phenomena commonly being referred to as "stuffing" techniques. It should be emphasized that, while ion exchange can be used as one method for incorporating the Group IIIA or other elements onto the zeolite compositions described herein, ion exchange alone will generally not provide the Group IIIA or other elements within the zeolite composition in the requisite amount or in the desired form. Combinations of incorporation techniques may be employed, for example, by incorporating one element by ion exchange and another element by stuffing.

Solutions of compounds of such elements to be incorporated may be formulated from any suitable solvent which is inert with respect to the metal-containing compound and the zeolite. Non-limiting examples of some suitable solvents include water, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic acids (such as acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid and so forth), and inorganic acids (such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid). Other commonly available solvents such as halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, etc. may be useful to dissolve some metal compounds or complexes. Generally, the most useful solvent will be found to be water. However, the solvent of choice for any particular compound will, of course, be determined by the nature of that compound and for that reason the foregoing list should not be considered exhaustive of all of the suitable possibilities.

Representative scandium-containing compounds include scandium acetylacetonate, scandium bromide, scandium chloride, scandium nitrate, scandium oxalate, scandium hydroxide, scandium oxide, scandium sulfate and scandium fluoride. This listing is not to be taken as encompassing all of the utilizable scandium-containing compounds. It is merely intended to be illustrative of some of the representative metal compounds which those in the art will find useful in practicing the disclosed invention. The knowledgeable reader will readily appreciate that there are numerous other known scandium salts and complexes which would prove useful herein to provide solutions containing scandium suitable for combination with the zeolite in the manner hereinafter described.

Reaction of the zeolite composition with the treating scandium compound is effected by contacting the zeolite composition with such compound. Where the treating compound is a liquid, such compound can be in solution in a solvent at the time contact with the zeolite composition is effected. Any solvent relatively inert with respect to the treating scandium compound and the zeolite composition may be employed. Suitable solvents include water and aliphatic, aromatic or alcoholic liquid. The treating compound may also be used without a solvent, i.e. may be used as a neat liquid. Where the treating compound is in the gaseous phase, it can be used by itself or in admixture with a gaseous diluent relatively inert to the treating compound and the zeolite (such as helium or nitrogen) or with an organic solvent such as octane or toluene.

Heating of the scandium compound impregnated catalyst subsequent to preparation and prior to use is preferred, and such heating can, if desired, be carried out in the presence of oxygen, for example, in air. Although heating may be carried out at a temperature of about 150° C. or more, higher temperatures, e.g. up to about 500° C., are preferred. Heating is generally carried out for 1-5 hours but may be extended to 24 hours or longer. While temperatures above about 500° C. may be employed, they are generally not necessary. After heating in air at elevated temperatures, and without being limited by any theoretical considerations, it is contemplated that the scandium is actually present in the zeolite composition in an oxidized state, such as Sc₂ O₃.

The amount of scandium, calculated as elemental scandium, incorporated in the zeolite composition should be at least about 0.5 percent by weight. However, it is preferred that the amount utilized be at least about 1.0 percent by weight, particularly when the zeolite is combined with a binder, e.g. 35 weight percent of alumina. The amount of scandium can be as high as about 30 percent by weight or more, depending on the amount and type of binder present. Preferably, the amount of scandium added to the zeolite composite will be between about 1 and about 30 percent by weight.

The amount of scandium incorporated with the zeolite composition by reaction with elemental scandium or scandium-containing compound will depend upon several factors. One of these is the reaction time, i.e., the time that the zeolite and the scandium-containing source are maintained in contact with each other. With greater reaction times, all other factors being equal, a greater amount of metal is incorporated with the zeolite composition. Other factors upon which the amount of scandium incorporated with the zeolite composition is dependent include reaction temperature, concentration of the treating compound in the reaction mixture, the degree to which the zeolite has been dried prior to reaction with the metal-containing compound, the conditions of drying of the zeolite composition after reaction with the treating compound, and the amount and type of binder incorporated with the zeolite composition.

Yttrium, e.g. oxides of yttrium, are also effective modifying components for imparting the desirable shape selective activity to the particular type of zeolite catalyst disclosed. Examples of representative yttrium-containing compounds suitable for deposition of that metal on the zeolite include yttrium acetate, yttrium bromide, yttrium bromate, yttrium carbonate, yttrium chloride, yttrium fluoride, yttrium nitrate, yttrium oxalate, yttrium oxide, yttrium sulfate and yttrium sulfide. As discussed above with respect to the illustrative listing of scandium compounds, the foregoing is not to be considered as an exhaustive list of the utilizable yttrium salts and complexes. There are numerous yttrium compounds which the foregoing will suggest to those skilled in the art as being suitable for providing the yttrium-containing solutions for treatment of the zeolite composites as hereinafter described.

Reaction of the zeolite composite with the yttrium compounds is accomplished in substantially the same way as that recited above with respect to the scandium-containing compounds. Without being limited by any theoretical considerations, it is contemplated that the yttrium is likewise in an oxidized state, such as Y₂ O₃.

The amount of yttrium, calculated as elemental yttrium, incorporated in the zeolite composition should be at least about 0.5 percent by weight. However, it is preferred that the amount utilized be at least about 1.0 percent by weight, particularly when the zeolite is combined with a binder, e.g. 35 weight percent of alumina. The amount of yttrium can be as high as about 40 percent by weight or more depending on the amount and type of binder present. Preferably, the amount of yttrium added to the zeolite composite will be between about 1 and about 40 percent by weight.

Rare Earth (RE) elements, e.g. in the form of their oxides, may also be employed as the catalyst modifying component. Compounds containing RE elements will generally be of similar nature to those of scandium and yttrium recited above. For purposes of illustration, the element samarium can be used to represent the Rare Earth elements. Samarium is contemplated as being present in the zeolite composition as Sm₂ O₃ alone or in combination with other compounds of samarium in an oxidized state. In all instances, regardless of the particular state of oxidation of the samarium, its content with respect to the zeolite composition is computed on the basis of elemental samarium. Generally, the amount of samarium in the composite catalyst will be between about 0.5 and about 50 weight percent, and preferably between about 1 and about 45 weight percent, based on the weight of the composite. Reaction of the zeolite composite with the samarium-containing compound is carried out as described above with respect to the treatment with compounds of the element scandium. Examples of samarium compounds which may be utilized include samarium acetate, samarium acetylacetonate, samarium bromate, samarium bromide, samarium chlorides, samarium fluorides, samarium iodides, samarium oxalate, samarium nitrate, samarium sulfate, samarium sulfide and samarium oxide. Again, this listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather suggestive to those of skill in the art as to the kinds of metal-containing compounds useful for treating the zeolites as herein described.

In some instances, it may be desirable to modify the crystalline zeolite catalysts by combining therewith two or more of the specified metals, generally in the form of their oxides. Thus, the zeolite composite may be modified by prior combination therewith of oxides of scandium and yttrium, oxides of scandium and one or more Rare Earths (RE), oxides of yttrium and RE, or even oxides of all of the Group IIIA elements. When such modification technique is employed, the respective metals may be deposited on the zeolite composite either sequentially or from a solution containing suitable compounds of the elements, the oxides of which are to be combined with the zeolite. The amounts of metals present in such instance are in the same range as specified above for the individual metals, with the overall added metal content being between about 1 and about 45 weight percent of the composite.

As noted, an especially advantageous combination of Group IIIA metals are the mixtures of the Rare Earth elements. A wide variety of Rare Earth compounds can be employed with facility as a source of mixtures of the Rare Earth metals. Such compounds include Rare Earth chlorides, bromides, iodides, carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, sulfides, thiocyanates, peroxysulfates, acetates, benzoates, citrates, fluorides, nitrates, formates, propionates, butyrates, valecates, lactates, malanates, oxalates, palmitates, hydroxides, tartrates, and the like. Preferred Rare Earth compounds are Rare Earth salts such as chlorides, nitrates and sulfates.

Rare Earth chlorides and nitrates and didymium chloride are especially preferred sources of mixtures of the Rare Earth elements suitable for combination with the zeolite catalysts of the present invention. As hereinafter referred to, unless otherwise indicated, a Rare Earth chloride or nitrate solution is a mixture of Rare Earth chlorides or nitrates consisting essentially of the salts of lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium with minor amounts of samarium, gadolinium and yttrium. Rare Earth chloride and nitrate solutions are commercially available and the ones specifically referred to in the examples contain the salts of the rare earth mixture having the relative composition cerium (as CeO₂) 48% by weight, lanthanum (as La₂ O₃) 24% by weight, praseodymium (as Pr₆ O₁₁) 5% by weight, neodymium (as Nd₂ O₃) 17% by weight samarium (as Sm₂ O₃) 3% by weight, gadolinium (as Gd₂ O₃) 2% by weight, and other Rare Earth oxides 0.8% by weight. Didymium chloride is also a mixture of rare earth chlorides but having a lower cerium content. It consists of the following Rare Earths determined as oxides: lanthanum 45-56% by weight, cerium 1-2% by weight, praseodymium 9-10% by weight, neodymium 32-33% by weight, samarium 5-7% by weight, gadolinium 3-4% by weight, yttrium 0.4% by weight, and other Rare Earths 1-2% by weight. It is to be understood that other mixtures of Rare Earths are also applicable for the preparation of the novel catalyst compositions of this invention, although lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium and gadolinium as well as mixtures of Rare Earths containing a predominant amount of one or more of the above elements are preferred.

A further embodiment of this invention includes additional modification of the above metal containing zeolite composites with phosphorus, whereby from about 0.25 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of an oxide of phosphorus, calculated as elemental phosphorus, is combined with the zeolite composite. The preferred amount of phosphorus oxide will be between about 1.0 weight percent and about 25 weight percent, based on the weight of the treated zeolite. The phosphorus treatment of the zeolite catalyst will preferably be carried out before the previously described modification with one or more of the enumerated Group IIIA metals. Reaction of the zeolite composite with the phosphorus-containing compound is carried out essentially as described above with respect to the Group IIIA metal-containing compounds and it is preferred that the total amount of oxides combined with the zeolite, i.e. the phosphorus oxides plus the metal oxides, fall within the approximate range of 2 percent to 40 percent by weight, based on the weight of the treated zeolite and calculated on the basis of elemental phosphorus and elemental Group IIIA metal.

Representative phosphorus-containing compunds which may be used include derivatives of groups represented by PX₃, RPX₂, R₂ PX, R₃ P, X₃ PO, (XO)₃ PO, (XO)₃ P, R₃ P=O, R₂ P=S, RPO₂, RPS₂, RP(O)(OX)₂, RP(S)(SX)₂, R₂ P(O)OX, R₂ P(S)SX, RP(SX)₂, ROP(OX)₂, RSP(SX)₂, (RS)₂ PSP(SR)₂, and (RO)₂ POP(OR)₂, where R is an alkyl or aryl, such as a phenyl radical and X is hydrogen, R, or halide. These compounds include primary, RPH₂, secondary, R₂ PH and tertiary, R₃ P, phosphines such as butyl phosphine; the tertiary phosphine oxides R₃ PO, such as tributylphosphine oxide, the tertiary phosphine sulfides, R₃ PS, the primary, RP(O)(OX)₂, and secondary, R₂ P(O)OX, phosphonic acids such as benzene phosphonic acid; the corresponding sulfur derivatives such as RP(S)(SX)₂ and R₂ P(S)SX, the esters of the phosphonic acids such as diethyl phosphonate, (RO)₂ P(O)H, dialkyl alkyl phosphonates, (RO)₂ P(O)R, and alkyl dialkylphosphinates, (RO)P(O)R₂ ; phosphinous acids, R₂ POX, such as diethylphosphinous acid, primary, (RO)P(OX)₂, secondary, (RO)₂ POX, and tertiary, (RO)₃ P, phosphites; and esters thereof such as the monopropyl ester, alkyl dialkylphosphinites, (RO)PR₂, and dialkyl alkylphosphinite, (RO)₂ PR esters. Corresponding sulfur derivatives may be employed including (RS)₂ P(S)H, (RS)₂ P(S)R, (RS)P(S)R₂, R₂ PSX, (RS)P(SX)₂, (RS)₂ PSX, (RS)₃ P, (RS)PR₂ and (RS)₂ PR. Examples of phosphite esters include trimethylphosphite, triethylphosphite, diisopropylphosphite, butylphosphite; and pyrophosphites such as tetraethylpyrophosphite. The alkyl groups in the mentioned compounds contain from one to four carbon atoms.

Other suitable phosphorus-containing compounds include the phosphorus halides such as phosphorus trichloride, bromide, and iodide, alkyl phosphorodichloridites, (RO)PCl₂, dialkyl phosphorochloridites, (RO)₂ PCl, dialkylphosphinochloridites, R₂ PCl, alkyl alkylphosphonochloridates, (RO)(R)P(O)Cl, dialkyl phosphinochloridates, R₂ P(O)Cl and RP(O)Cl₂. Applicable corresponding sulfur derivatives include (RS)PCl₂, (RS)₂ PCl, (RS)(R)P(S)Cl and R₂ P(S)Cl.

Preferred phosphorus-containing compounds include diphenyl phosphine chloride, trimethylphosphite and phosphorus trichloride, phosphoric acid, phenyl phosphine oxychloride, trimethylphosphate, diphenyl phosphinous acid, diphenyl phosphinic acid, diethylchlorothiophosphate, methyl acid phosphate and other alcohol-P₂ O₅ reaction products.

Particularly preferred are ammonium phosphates, including ammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH₄)₂ HPO₄, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, NH₄ H₂ PO₄.

Still another modifying treatment entails steaming of the zeolite composite by contact with an atmosphere containing from about 5 to about 100 percent steam at a temperature of from about 250° to about 1000° C. for a period of between about 15 minutes and about 100 hours and under pressures ranging from sub-atmospheric to several hundred atmospheres. Preferably, steam treatment is effected at a temperature of between about 400° C. and about 700° C. for a period of between about 1 and about 24 hours.

Another modifying treatment involves precoking of the catalyst to deposit a coating of between about 2 and about 75, and preferably between about 15 and about 75, weight percent of coke thereon. Precoking can be accomplished by contacting the catalyst with a hydrocarbon charge, e.g. toluene, under high severity conditions or alternatively at a reduced hydrogen to hydrocarbon concentration, i.e. 0 to 1 mole ratio of hydrogen to hydrocarbon, for a sufficient time to deposit the desired amount of coke thereon.

It is also contemplated that a combination of steaming and precoking of the catalyst under the above conditions may be employed to suitably modify the crystalline zeolite catalyst.

Alkylation of aromatic compounds in the presence of the above-described catalyst is effected by contact of the aromatic with an alkylating agent. A particularly preferred embodiment involves the alkylation of toluene wherein the alkylating agents employed comprise methanol or other well known methylating agents or ethylene. The reaction is carried out at a temperature of between about 250° C. and about 750° C., preferably between about 300° C. and 650° C. At higher temperatures, the zeolites of high silica/alumina ratio are preferred. For example, ZSM-5 having a SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ ratio of 30 and upwards is exceptionally stable at high temperatures. The reaction generally takes place at atmospheric pressure, but pressures within the approximate range of 10⁵ N/m² to 10⁷ N/m² (1-100 atmospheres) may be employed.

Some non-limiting examples of suitable alkylating agents would include olefins such as, for example, ethylene, propylene, butene, decene and dodecene, as well as formaldehyde, alkyl halides and alcohols, the alkyl portion thereof having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms. Numerous other aliphatic compounds having at least one reactive alkyl radical may be utilized as alkylating agents.

Aromatic compounds which may be selectively alkylated as described herein would include any alkylatable aromatic hydrocarbon such as, for example, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, dimethylbenzenes, diethylbenzenes, methylethylbenzenes, propylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, isopropylmethylbenzenes, or substantially any mono- or di-substituted benzenes which are alkylatable in the 4-position of the aromatic ring.

The molar ratio of alkylating agent to aromatic compound is generally between about 0.05 and about 5. For instance, when methanol is employed as the methylating agent and toluene is the aromatic, a suitable molar ratio of methanol to toluene has been found to be approximately 1-0.1 moles of methanol per mole of toluene. Reaction is suitably accomplished utilizing a feed weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of between about 1 and about 1000, and preferably between about 1 and about 2000. The reaction product, consisting predominantly of the 1,4-dialkyl isomer, e.g. 1,4-dimethylbenzene, 1-ethyl-4-methylbenzene, etc., or a mixture of the 1,4- and 1,2-isomers together with comparatively smaller amounts of 1,3-dialkylbenzene isomer, may be separated by any suitable means. Such means may include, for example, passing the reaction product stream through a water condenser and subsequently passing the organic phase through a column in which chromatographic separation of the aromatic isomers is accomplished.

When transalkylation is to be accomplished, transalkylating agents are alkyl or polyalkyl aromatic hydrocarbons wherein alkyl may be composed of from 1 to about 5 carbon atoms, such as, for example, toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene, triethylbenzene, dimethylethylbenzene, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, ethyltoluene, and so forth.

Another aspect of this invention involves the selective disproportionation of alkylated aromatic compounds to produce dialkylbenzenes wherein the yield of 1,4-dialkyl isomer is in excess of the normal equilibrium concentration. In this context, it should be noted that disproportionation is a special case of transalkylation in which the alkylatable hydrocarbon and the transalkylating agent are the same compound, for example when toluene serves as the donor and acceptor of a transferred methyl group to produce benzene and xylene.

The transalkylation and disproportionation reactions are carried out by contacting the reactants with the above described modified zeolite catalyst at a temperature of between about 250° C. and 750° C. at a pressure of between atmospheric (10⁵ N/m²) and about 100 atmospheres (10⁷ N/m²). The reactant feed WHSV will normally fall within the range of about 0.1 to about 50. Preferred alkylated aromatic compounds suitable for utilization in the disproportionation embodiment comprise toluene, ethylbenzene, propylbenzene or substantially any mono-substituted alkylbenzene. These aromatic compounds are selectively converted to, respectively, 1,4-dimethylbenzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,4-dipropylbenzene, or other 1,4-dialkylbenzene, as appropriate, with benzene being a primary side product in each instance. The product is recovered from the reactor effluent by conventional means such as distillation to remove the desired products of benzene and dialkylbenzene, and any unreacted aromatic component is recycled for further reaction.

The hydrocarbon conversion processes described herein may be carried out as a batch type, semi-continuous or continuous operation utilizing a fixed or moving bed catalyst system. The catalyst after use in a moving bed reactor is conducted to a regeneration zone wherein coke is burned from the catalyst in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, e.g. air, at an elevated temperature, after which the regenerated catalyst is recycled to the conversion zone for further contact with the charge stock. In a fixed bed reactor, regeneration is carried out in a conventional manner where an inert gas containing a small amount of oxygen (0.5-2%) is used to burn the coke in a controlled manner so as to limit the temperature to a maximum of around 500°-550° C.

The following examples will serve to illustrate certain specific embodiments of the herein disclosed invention. These examples should not, however, be construed as limiting the scope of the novel invention as there are many variations which may be made thereon without departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention, as those of skill in the art will recognize.

EXAMPLE 1A [Alkylation reaction with unmodified ZSM-5]

Five grams of HZSM-5 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ mole ratio=70; 65% on alumina binder) were placed in a quartz flow reactor and heated to temperature. A feed stream of toluene and methanol, at a molar ratio of 4 to 1, was passed over the heated zeolite at a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 10 hr⁻¹. The results obtained at various temperatures are shown below.

    ______________________________________                                         Temperature Percent Toluene                                                                             Percent para xylene                                   °C.  conversion   in xylenes                                            ______________________________________                                         350         47.2         24.8                                                  400         58.0         24.4                                                  450         68.0         24.3                                                  500         87.6         24.2                                                  ______________________________________                                    

In a similar manner, toluene was alkylated with ethylene by passing toluene and ethylene at weight hourly space velocity 7.0 hr⁻¹ and 0.5 hr⁻¹, respectively, over the heated ZSM-5. The results at various temperatures are shown below.

    ______________________________________                                                                 Isomer Ratios of                                       Temperature                                                                               Percent Toluene                                                                             Ethyltoluene                                           °C. Conversion   p        m    o                                        ______________________________________                                         400        76.4         29.9     58.5 11.6                                     425        76.4         29.9     57.5 12.7                                     450        79.0         29.6     57.1 13.4                                     ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2 [Disproportionation reaction with unmodified ZSM-5]

Toluene was passed over 5 grams of the unmodified HZSM-5 zeolite of Example 1 at temperatures ranging between 450° C. and 600° C. The toluene feed WHSV was maintained at 3.5-3.6 hr⁻¹. The results are summarized below.

    ______________________________________                                                       Toluene              %                                           Temp          Conv.    % Selectivity, wt.                                                                         para in Xylene                              °C.                                                                           WHSV    Mole %   Benzene                                                                               Xylenes                                                                               Products                                  ______________________________________                                         450   3.6     7.4      43.5   55.5   24.7                                      500   3.5     20.5     44.6   53.8   24.5                                      550   3.5     38.8     48.0   48.8   24.2                                      600   3.5     49.2     54.4   41.7   24.1                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 3 [Preparation of Sc-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 4.0 g of scandium nitrate in 3 ml of water maintained at ambient temperature was added 1.5 g of HZSM-5 (SiO₂ /AL₂ O₃ =70). The mixture was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C. for 2 hours, the residue was calcined at 500° C. for an additional 3 hours to yield 1.85 g of Sc-ZSM-5. The content of scandium was found on analysis to be 11.8 wt %.

EXAMPLE 4A [Alkylation reaction with Sc-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture, in a molar ratio of 4/1, over 1.1 g of the Sc-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 3 at 400° C. and feed WHSV of 10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 61.2% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 26.4%.

EXAMPLE 4B [Ethylation reaction with Sc-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Sc-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 3 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 93.7% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 32.2%.

EXAMPLE 5 [Preparation of Y-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 5.0 g of yttrium nitrate in 5 ml of water at ambient temperature were added 2.0 g of HZSM-5 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =70). The mixture was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C. for 1 hour, followed by further drying at 200° C. for 16 hours, the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 4 hours to give 2.3 g of Y-ZSM-5. The content of yttrium was analyzed and found to be 11.1 wt %.

EXAMPLE 6A [Alkylation reaction with Y-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture, in a molar ratio of 4/1, over 1.1 g of the Y-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 5 at 400° C. and feed WHSV=10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 53.2% and selectively to p-xylene in xylenes was 53.5%.

EXAMPLE 6B [Ethylation reaction with Y-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Y-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 5 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 87.9% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 52.5%.

EXAMPLE 7 [Disproportionation reaction with Y-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing a toluene feed stream over 1.1 g of the Y-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 5 (at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹) and 500° C. Toluene conversion was 19.6% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylene was 32.9%.

EXAMPLE 8 [Preparation of Sm-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 5.0 g of samarium nitrate in 5 ml of water at ambient temperature were added 2.0 g of HZSM-5 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =70). The mixture was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C. for 2 hours, followed by further drying at 250° C. for 2 hrs more, the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 2 hours to give 2.36 g of Sm-ZSM-5. The content of samarium was found on analysis to be 15.8 wt %.

EXAMPLE 9A [Alkylation reaction with Sm-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture (molar ratio of 4/1) over 1.1 g of the Sm-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 8 at 400° C. and feed WHSV=10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 85.2% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 52.1%.

EXAMPLE 9B [Ethylation reaction with Sm-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Sm-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 8 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 50.0% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 54.5%.

EXAMPLE 10 [Disproportionation reaction with Sm-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing a toluene feed over 1.1 g of the SM-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 8 at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹ and 500° C. Toluene conversion was 18.2% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 32.3%.

The foregoing examples 1-10 will illustrate to those of skill in the art that modification of the zeolite with the elements Sc, Y and/or Sm, in the manner disclosed herein, will enhance the para-selectivity of the zeolite vis-a-vis the unmodified zeolite. The following examples 11-21 will illustrate the additional significant benefit resulting from modification of the zeolite with a combination of both the foregoing metals and phosphorus.

EXAMPLE 11 [Preparation of P-modified zeolite]

Two hundred grams of the ammonium form of ZSM-5 (65% on alumina binder) were added to a solution of 80 g of diammonium hydrogen phosphate in 300 ml of water. The mixture was allowed to stand at 90° C. for 2 hours, then the zeolite was removed by filtration, dried and calcined for 2 hours at 500° C. The P-ZSM-5 recovered contained 3.43 wt % phosphorus.

EXAMPLE 12A [Alkylation reaction with P-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture in a molar ratio of 4/1 through 5.0 g of the P-ZSM-5 zeolite of Example 11 while heating at the desired temperature. The feed WHSV was 10 hr⁻¹. The results obtained at the various temperatures are shown below.

    ______________________________________                                         Temperature Percent Toluene                                                                             Percent para xylene                                   °C.  conversion   in xylenes                                            ______________________________________                                         400         43.6         66.6                                                  450         54.4         57.7                                                  500         70.4         53.7                                                  550         85.2         52.0                                                  600         85.2         58.0                                                  ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 12B [Ethylation reaction with P-ZSM-5]

In a similar manner, alkylation of toluene with ethylene was carried out by passing toluene and ethylene, at a weight hourly space velocity of 7.0 hr⁻¹ and 0.5 hr⁻¹, respectively, over the P-ZSM-5 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 74.8% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene was 55.5%.

EXAMPLE 13 [Disproportionation reaction with P-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene over 5.0 g of the PZSM-5 zeolite of Example 11 at a weight hourly space velocity of 3.5 hr⁻¹ and temperatures of between 475° C. and 550° C. The conditions and results are shown below.

    ______________________________________                                         Temp  Toluene Conv.                                                                              Selectivity mole %                                                                           % para in                                      °C.                                                                           Mole %      Benzene  Xylenes                                                                               Xylene Products                              ______________________________________                                         475   14.9        52.8     47.6   39.1                                         500   27.1        53.3     45.4   35.1                                         525   37.4        56.1     42.2   32.1                                         550   44.0        60.4     37.3   30.1                                         ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 14 [Preparation of Sc-P-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 5.0 g of scandium nitrate in 4.0 ml of water ambient temperature were added 2.0 g of the P-ZSM-5 of Example 11. The mixture was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C. followed by an additional 16 hrs at 250° C., the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 2 hours to yield 2.27 g of Sc-P-ZSM-5. Analysis showed the content of scandium to be 8.70 wt % and that of phosphorus to be 2.47 wt %.

EXAMPLE 15A [Alkylation reaction with Sc-P-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture, in a molar ratio of 4/1, over 1.1 g of the Sc-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 14 at 400° C. and feed WHSV=10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 47.6% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 70.3%.

EXAMPLE 15B [Ethylation reaction with Sc-P-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Sc-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 14 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 73.9% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 68.6%.

EXAMPLE 16 [Preparation of Y-P-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 6.0 g of yttrium nitrate in 5.0 ml of water at ambient temperature were added 3.0 g of the P ZSM-5 of Example 11 and the mixture maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C., followed by at 250° C. for 18 hrs., the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 2 hours to yield 3.1 g of Y-P-ZSM-5. Analysis showed the content of yttrium to be 9.32 wt % and that of phosphorus to be 2.69 wt %.

EXAMPLE 17A [Alkylatiuon reaction with Y-P-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture (molar ratio of 4/1) over 1.1 g of the Y-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 16 at 400° C. and feed rate (WHSV) of 10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 42.0% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 82.4%.

EXAMPLE 17B [Ethylation reaction with Y-P-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Y-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 16 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 64.7% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 84.4%.

EXAMPLE 18 [Disproportionation reaction with Y-P-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing a toluene feed stream over 1.1 g of the Y-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 16 at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹ and 500° C. Toluene conversion was 24.2% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylene was 46.2%.

EXAMPLE 19 [Preparation of Sm-P-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 5.0 g of samarium nitrate in 5.0 ml of water heating at about 80° C. were added 3.0 g of the P-ZSM-5 of Example 11, and the mixture maintained at 80°-90° C. for 2.3 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C., the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 3 hours to yield 3.3 g Sm-P-ZSM-5. Analysis showed the content of samarium to be 13.2 wt % and that of phosphorus to be 2.50 wt %.

EXAMPLE 20A [Alkylation reaction with Sm-P-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture, in a molar ratio of 4/1, over 1.1 g of the Sm-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 19 at 400° C. and feed WHSV of 10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 47.2% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 86.3%.

EXAMPLE 20B [Ethylation reaction with Sm-P-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.1 g of the Sm-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 19 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 74.3% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 83.0%.

EXAMPLE 21 [Disproportionation reaction with Sm-P-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene, at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹, over 1.1 g of the Sm-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 19 at 500° C. Toluene conversion was 18.7% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylene was 53.1%.

The following examples 22-24 will indicate to those skilled in the art that modification of the zeolite with mixtures of the Rare Earth elements also serves to enhance the para-selectivity of the zeolite catalyst vis a vis the unmodified zeolite.

EXAMPLE 22 [Preparation of Re-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 6.0 g of Rare Earth nitrate in 5 ml of water at ambient temperature were added 2.5 g of HZSM-5 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ -70). The mixture was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C. for 2 hours, the residue was then calcined at 500° C. for 2 hours to give 3.0 g of RE-ZSM-5. The content of Rare Earth was found in analysis to be 24.9 wt %.

EXAMPLE 23A [Alkylation reaction with RE-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture (molar ratio of 4/1) over 1.6 g of the RE-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 22 at 400° C. and feed WHSV=10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 56.0% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 31.1%.

EXAMPLE 23B [Ethylation reaction with RE-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.6 g of the RE-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 22 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 48.7% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 33.2%.

EXAMPLE 24 [Disproportionation reaction with RE-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing a toluene feed over 1.6 g of the RE-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 22 at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹ and 500° C. Toluene conversion was 17.1% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 26.8%.

The following examples 25-27 will illustrate the additional significant benefit resulting from modification of the zeolite composite with a combination of both a mixture of Rare Earth elements and phosphorus.

EXAMPLE 25 [Preparation of RE-P-modified zeolite]

To a solution of 6.5 g of Rare Earth nitrate in 5.0 ml of water at ambient temperature was added 2.0 g of the P-ZSM-5 of Example 11, and the mixture maintained at room temperature for 24 hours. After filtration and drying at about 80° C., the residue was calcined at 500° C. for 2 hours to yield 2.3 g of RE-P-ZSM-5. Analysis showed the content of Rare Earth to be 16.3 wt % and that of phosphorus to be 2.44%.

EXAMPLE 26A [Alkylation reaction with RE-P-modified zeolite]

Alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out by passing a toluene/methanol mixture, in a molar ratio of 4/1, over 1.6 g of the RE-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 25 at 400° C. and feed WHSV of 10 hr⁻¹. Toluene conversion was 49.5% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylenes was 78.6%.

EXAMPLE 26B [Ethylation reaction with RE-P-ZSM-5 catalyst]

In a similar manner, ethylation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene (at WHSV=7.0 hr⁻¹) and ethylene (at WHSV=0.5 hr⁻¹) over 1.6 g of the RE-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 25 at 400° C. Conversion of toluene was 42.4% and selectivity to p-ethyltoluene in ethyltoluenes was 70.7%.

EXAMPLE 27 [Disproportionation reaction with RE-P-modified zeolite]

Disproportionation of toluene was carried out by passing toluene, at WHSV=3.5 hr⁻¹, over 1.6 g of the RE-P-ZSM-5 catalyst of Example 25 at 500° C. Toluene conversion was 22.9% and selectivity to p-xylene in xylene was 40.5%.

It is to be understood that the foregoing examples are intended to be merely illustrative of certain specific embodiments of the disclosed invention. As those of skill in the art will readily appreciate, there are many variations which may be made on these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the herein disclosed invention and such variations are clearly to be encompassed within ambit of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catalyst composition suitable for para-selective conversion of substituted aromatic compounds, said composition comprising a modified crystalline zeolite catalyst component characterized by a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 12 and a constraint index within the approximate range of 1 to 12, said composition further having incorporated thereon at least 0.5 weight percent of at least one element of Group IIIA of the Periodic Chart, said element being in its oxide form when combined with said catalyst composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said element of Group IIIA is scandium.
 3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said scandium comprises between 1 and 30 weight percent of the modified zeolite catalyst composition.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said Group IIIA element is yttrium.
 5. The process of claim 4 wherein said yttrium comprises between 1 and 40 weight percent of the modified zeolite catalyst composition.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said Group IIIA element is one or a mixture of the Rare Earth elements.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein said Rare Earth element or mixture thereof comprises between 1 and 45 weight percent of the modified zeolite catalyst composition.
 8. The composition of claim 1 which further has incorporated thereon at least 0.25 weight percent of the element phosphorus in addition to said Group IIIA element, said phosphorus and said Group IIIA metal both being in the oxide form when combined with said catalyst composition.
 9. The composition of claim 8 wherein said Group IIIA element is scandium.
 10. The composition of claim 8 wherein said Group IIIA element is yttrium.
 11. The composition of claim 8 wherein said element is one or a mixture of the Rare Earth elements.
 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises a zeolite admixed with a binder therefor.
 13. The composition of claim 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 or 12 wherein said zeolite is selected from the group consisting of ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-38 and ZSM-48.
 14. The composition of claim 13 wherein said zeolite is ZSM-5.
 15. The composition of claim 13 wherein said zeolite is ZSM-11. 